Westerplas - Schiermonnikoog - The Netherlands - Birdwatching Locations on Waymarking.com

Southwest of the village of Schiermonnikoog is the Westerplas. This area used to be called the Westerkwelder and the sea had free rein. In 1964 the salt marsh was dammed. The moist area became so inaccessible to the seawater that it slowly became fresh. Now the Westerplas is the most important freshwater area of ??the island.

Because of the fresh water, the lake is very popular with waterfowl. Almost all Dutch duck species can be found there, along with, for example, Spoonbills, Grebes, Coots and Gulls. The wide reed beds are home to various species of shy reed birds, of which the mysterious bittern is perhaps the most special.

But many songbirds such as Redpoll, Bluethroat and Reed Bunting can also be found here. The moist lawns around the Westerplas are famous among lovers of mushrooms and wild plants.

The bird hide at the Westerplas was put into use in 2008, obtained thanks to the NCRV election 'Most beautiful place in the Netherlands'. The hut - which stands in the middle of the water - has a very open character. As a result, birds come under the hut and you have a beautiful view of the flying island guests. This bird hide is wheelchair accessible.

Park Name: Westerplas Sponsoring Organization: Staatsbosbeheer Handicap Accessible?: Yes Website: [Web Link] Entrance Fee: Not Listed List any Hides, Birding Towers, or other structures to assist in Birdwatching found at the location: Not listed Parking Coordinates: Not Listed

Visit Instructions:
A clear, original image is required to log a visit to a waymark in this category. The image must contain a bird at the site, a nest, or other evidence that visitors partook in the delight of birdwatching at this site. Please tell us about your experience with an identification of a bird or two that you've seen!

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Date Logged Log User Rating   10/23/2022 Brandewijn visited it